Another earthquake hits southern Turkey

On Monday, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Hatay in Turkey. This was as Turkey continues to recover after a devastating quake two weeks ago that left thousands dead in neighboring Syria and the nation.

Turkey’s disaster management agency, AFAD recorded two 6.4 magnitude and 5.8 magnitude shakings in Hatay, Turkey, near the Turkey-Syria border. They reported that response teams were on alert for any subsequent aftershocks.

As a precaution, AFAD has advised citizens to avoid the coast in order to prevent rising sea levels following the earthquake. The Levantine Sea is just beyond the Hatay Province.

It is not clear if the earthquakes that struck on Monday have caused any significant damage. Reuters reports that some buildings already damaged may have been even more severely affected.

The region was devastated by the 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria that struck earlier this month. It destroyed buildings and trapped people beneath the rubble. As rescue teams continue to search for survivors, the death toll continues to rise. Nearly 45,000 people have been killed in Syria and Turkey.

Sunday’s announcement by the White House included an additional $100 million for Turkey and Syria to help them in their recovery.

Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, visited the region to meet with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish President in Ankara, and inspect the damage. Blinken promised that the U.S. would support its NATO ally “for as long as it takes.”